DeLand Showcase Welcomes Charlie Becker as Keynote Speaker

The DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase is delighted to welcome Charlie Becker, EAA’s director of Chapters, Communities & Homebuilt Community Manager, as a Keynote Speaker for the 1st annual Showcase. He will present at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, in the Show Center Tent. The 1st annual DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase will be held November 3-5, 2016, at the DeLand Municipal Airport (KDED).

Charlie has been a leader in the EAA homebuilding community for more than 15 years. He’s built a Sonex homebuilt, is now constructing a Super Cub clone and an EMG-6 glider, while currently flying a homebuilt CUBy. His keynote address will focus on “hot topics” in the homebuilding community, including EAA’s advocacy efforts on the proposed new experimental aircraft operating limitations, ADS-B options for homebuilders, and more.

Charlie said, “I’m excited to participate in the DeLand Showcase! I think one of the things that will set this event apart from others is that, because there isn’t an air show, homebuilders will be able to fly anytime they want. That harkens to the ‘good ole days' of the Rockford Fly-In…a time homebuilders cherished.”

In addition to his keynote speech, Charlie will present two forums during the Showcase weekend – “What’s Involved in Kit Building” and “Registering and Certificating Your Homebuilt.” The Showcase’s complete Forums schedule will be available online in early October.

Site Preparations in Full Swing

Meanwhile, the Showcase site is a beehive of activity as Airport Manager John Eiff and Showcase Field Manager Gary Filip prepare the site to host the 1st annual Showcase. DeLand Sport Aviation Administrator Jana Filip said, “Our Facilities team is busy planning aircraft and crowd movements, establishing fence lines, improving drainage systems, and arranging electrical outlets so that exhibitors and visitors alike will have a very pleasant experience at Showcase 2016.”

All outdoor exhibit spaces have been filled (with a waiting list), and indoor exhibit registration is nearing capacity. Anyone still interested in exhibiting at the Showcase should contact Filip ASAP (e-mail filipj@deland.org).

Volunteer Recruiting Underway

The DeLand Showcase is currently recruiting volunteers to fill the approximately 150 volunteer positions needed to assist in the set up, operation, and tear down of the event. Interested volunteers may review the available volunteer options online at www.sportaviationvillage.com/volunteer-opportunities/#volunteer. Filip said, “We welcome anyone interested in volunteering. The Showcase will be a great opportunity to meet aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.”

Don’t Miss Showcase 2016!

DeLand Showcase 2016 is shaping up to be a dynamite event you won’t want to miss! DeLand Municipal Airport (KDED) is located approximately 40 miles north of Orlando and just west of Interstate 4 between Orlando and Daytona Beach, which is 16 miles to the east…in the heart of Florida’s entertainment and recreational activities. Local hotel and camping information is available online at www.sportaviationvillage.com/showcase under “Local Information.”